While Hollywood celebrated the much-anticipated Oscar ceremony, one of the highlights of the night was the award received by Sean Penn. The actor won his third statuette for his portrayal of Colonel Lockjaw in One Battle After Another, the new film by Paul Thomas Anderson. However, Penn was not present at the gala, which drew attention at the event.
A man committed to Ukraine
The actor’s absence was due to his meeting in Ukraine with President Volodymyr Zelensky. This supportive relationship dates back to the beginning of the Russian invasion, and Zelensky confirmed the meeting by posting a photograph on his social media thanking Penn for his ongoing support. This commitment to humanitarian and political causes has been a constant in the actor’s career, who has stated that his activism is deeply connected to his artistic work.
Kieran Culkin, winner of the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor last year, was the one to accept the award on behalf of Penn. During his speech on the stage of the Dolby Theatre, Culkin made an ironic comment about the actor’s absence, saying: “Sean Penn could not be here tonight, or he did not want to, so I will accept the award on his behalf,” which generated laughter among the attendees.
Penn has previously shared his thoughts on the risks of getting involved in political and social conflicts, emphasizing the importance of contributing in some way. His dedication is not only evident in his personal life but also reflected in his artistic choices. Through his performances and activism, Penn continues to advocate for causes he considers crucial, becoming an active voice on the global stage.